If you adore the rich, velvety charm of traditional red velvet but crave a fun twist, the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies boast that signature deep red color with a delightful cocoa undertone, all wrapped in a crackled sugar coating that’s as tempting to look at as it is to eat. They bake up tender and chewy with a slight crisp on the edges, making them the perfect treat for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring one after another with your favorite cup of coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each item plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and stunning appearance.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness and adds rich creaminess to the cookie dough.
- Brown sugar, 3/4 cup: This brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth that enhances the cookie’s softness.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Balances sweetness and helps with the dough’s structure.
- Large eggs, 2 (room temperature): Eggs bind everything together, adding tenderness while helping the cookies rise beautifully.
- Vanilla extract, 2 tsp: Adds warm, aromatic notes that complement the cocoa and red velvet flavor.
- Professional red food coloring (gel), 1/2 tsp: Essential for achieving that iconic vibrant red without altering the dough’s consistency.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and chew.
- Cocoa powder, 1/3 cup: Adds just the right amount of chocolate flavor to make these cookies unmistakably red velvet.
- Baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp: Gives the cookies lift so they stay light and cakey rather than flat.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Enhances and balances the sweetness while deepening the overall flavor.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (for rolling): Creates a delightful crunch and helps with the signature crinkle effect.
- Powdered sugar, 1/2 cup (for rolling): Adds a snowy coating that contrasts beautifully with the red, making every cookie picture-perfect.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready when your dough is prepared. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and ensures even baking for perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a spacious bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that tender texture we all love.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Red Food Coloring
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow it up with the vanilla extract and the red gel food coloring. The coloring gives these cookies their iconic hue, so be sure to mix until the color is vibrant and even throughout.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Sifting not only removes lumps but also helps aerate the mixture, promoting even baking and a lovely crumb.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tougher cookies rather than tender crinkles.
Step 6: Shape Cookies and Create Crinkle Effect
Scoop generous tablespoons of dough and roll each ball first in the granulated sugar, then in the powdered sugar. This dual coating is what gives these cookies their iconic crackled look and irresistible sugary bite once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the cookies show distinct cracks and edges are firm but centers remain soft. The timing is crucial to keep those cookies melt-in-your-mouth good.
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the cookies are already stunning on their own, you can elevate them further by drizzling a bit of white chocolate or sprinkling extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Fresh raspberries or a few edible rose petals on the plate can create a charming presentation for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a creamy glass of milk, a rich cup of hot cocoa, or even a pumpkin spice latte if you’re feeling seasonal. Their soft, chewy texture and subtle chocolate flavor complement these beverages effortlessly, making snack time extra cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies tied with a festive ribbon for a charming gift or arrange them on a festive platter amidst fresh berries and mint leaves. Another fun idea is to sandwich a dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftover cookies fresh for up to 4 days by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps maintain softness by releasing moisture that the cookies absorb.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance or save extras, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. For unbaked dough, scoop and roll balls in sugar, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a container—bake directly from frozen with an extra minute or two.
Reheating
To refresh the soft texture and warm up the flavors, pop a few cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or heat them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This little reheating tip makes your cookies taste just-baked and irresistibly comforting.
FAQs
Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?
While regular liquid food coloring works, gel food coloring is recommended because it provides a more intense color without thinning the dough. Using gel ensures your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe has that vibrant, signature red you expect.
What is the purpose of rolling the cookie dough in both granulated and powdered sugar?
Rolling first in granulated sugar adds a slight crunch and helps the cookies spread evenly, while the powdered sugar creates the signature crinkled appearance and a delicate, sweet coating as they bake.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
For best flavor and texture, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter. Margarine or oil may make the cookies greasier or change the chewiness, so they won’t have the classic Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe consistency.
Why is the cocoa powder important in this recipe?
Cocoa powder adds the subtle chocolate flavor that gives red velvet its unique taste profile. It also interacts with the red coloring to enhance the depth of the cookie’s iconic hue.
How can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
To veganize, replace butter with a vegan alternative and use flax or chia eggs instead of real eggs. For gluten-free options, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Keep in mind tweaks may affect texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting and festive about the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe that makes it a beloved classic with a fun twist. Tender, chewy, and vibrantly red, these cookies bring joy to any occasion and are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Grab your ingredients and enjoy every magical moment of baking and sharing these gems with your loved ones!
Print
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, featuring a moist, cocoa-rich cookie dough that cracks beautifully during baking to reveal a soft, tender interior. Rolled in granulated and powdered sugar, they have a perfect sweet, slightly crispy exterior. Ideal for festive occasions or any time you crave a delicious, chocolatey treat with a vibrant red color.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp professional red food coloring (gel works best)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Rolling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter is evenly colored.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape and Roll Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form dough balls and roll each first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar to create a coating that will make the cookies crinkle beautifully when baked.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spacing them apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and developed a crackled surface but are still soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for the best vibrant red color without altering dough consistency.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help with proper creaming and smooth batter mixture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Rolling the dough balls in both granulated and powdered sugar is key for signature crinkled appearance.
- Cookies will be soft when fresh and firm up slightly as they cool.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
